There is no longer a Time Inc. editor-in-chief successor to receive the company’s symbolic, tongue-in-cheek heirloom. But that didn’t stop recently departed EIC Martha Nelson.

Per a great little item from Ad Age‘s Michael Sebastian, Nelson redirected to Time Inc. managing editors the gift of company tradition. A pair of recipients told Sebastian the framed papal memento comes with the following note:

‘This fragment comes from the ‘Pope’s Miter,’ which resided in the office of the editor in chief of Time Inc. While the miter was passed on in jest, it symbolized the earnest belief in editorial independence, truth and integrity. Now that responsibility rests in your hands.’

Sebastian got some nice comments today about this “classy move” from Nelson herself. Somewhat hilariously, his article also includes the following corporate no-comment description: ‘A Time Inc. spokeswoman declined to comment on the miter.’ Read the rest of the Ad Age item here.